EN ISO 6245:2002 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 6245:2002 - Petroleum products - Determination of ash (ISO 6245:2001) specifies a standardized laboratory method to determine the ash content of petroleum products (distillate and residual fuel oils, crude oil, lubricating oils, waxes and similar). The method measures ash produced by oil‑soluble or water‑soluble metallic compounds and extraneous solids (dirt, rust). It applies to ash levels from 0.001 % (m/m) to 0.180 % (m/m) and is intended for cases where ash‑forming constituents are undesirable impurities, not deliberate additives.

Key topics and requirements

• Test principle: ignite a measured test portion to remove volatile components, then oxidize the residue in a muffle furnace and weigh the remaining ash.
• Critical parameters
  • Furnace temperature: 775 °C ± 25 °C for final ashing.
  • Reporting resolution: results expressed to the nearest 0.001 % (m/m).
  • Applicable test portion masses selected to yield up to ~20 mg ash (table provided in the standard).
• Apparatus and materials
  • Evaporating vessels (platinum, silica, porcelain; alumina occasionally) - vessel cleanliness and stability emphasized.
  • Muffle furnace with temperature control and controlled air flow.
  • Analytical balance capable of 0.1 mg readability.
  • Propan‑2‑ol (IPA), toluene (ISO 5272 grade), ashless filter paper.
• Sample preparation
  • Homogenize mobile, viscous or solid samples (mixing, controlled heating below safety limits).
  • Special handling for samples with water (use solvent additions and filter strips as described).
• Limitations and notes
  • Not applicable to products containing ash‑forming additives (e.g., certain phosphorus compounds). For lubricating oils with additives, used crankcase oils or leaded oils, ISO 3987 (sulfated ash) is recommended.
  • Some low‑molecular inorganic metal additives (Na, K) may sublime and not be fully quantified by this method.
• Precision: repeatability and reproducibility statistics are referenced and derived per ISO 4259.

Applications and users

• Quality control and acceptance testing in refineries, fuel terminals and lubricant manufacturers.
• Supplier and purchaser verification of contamination or particulate ingress in fuels and oils.
• Regulatory, environmental and emissions testing where low ash content is required.
• Laboratories performing routine petroleum analysis and R&D teams assessing formulations or contamination sources.

Related standards

• ISO 3987 - Determination of sulfated ash (used oils/additives)
• ISO 3170 / ISO 3171 - Sampling of petroleum liquids (manual and pipeline)
• ISO 4259 - Precision data and application to test methods
• ISO 5272 - Toluene specifications

Note: Always follow appropriate safety procedures; the method includes open‑flame ignition and high‑temperature furnace use.